Museums have no borders,
they have a network

Become a member
    • International Council of Museums|Resources|Standards and guidelines|ICOM Resolutions

    ICOM Resolutions

    ICOM Resolutions

    This page provides essential information about the ICOM Resolutions, their significance for the organisation, and how they contribute to shaping the future of museums worldwide.

    What are the ICOM Resolutions?

    As defined in the ICOM Statutes (Article 19 – Section 2), ICOM Resolutions are formal statements adopted every three years by the Ordinary General Assembly in the framework of the General Conference. They reflect the collective vision, priorities, and commitments of ICOM’s membership by addressing broad and significant challenges facing museums and cultural heritage. They guide ICOM’s mission, objectives and contribution to its Strategic Plan.

    Since 1946, ICOM has adopted numerous Resolutions focused on capacity building, cross-border collaboration, combating illicit trafficking, advocacy, education, and the protection of both tangible and intangible heritage. Their purpose is twofold: to articulate the official stance of the organisation, and to provide actionable guidance for the museum sector.

    Upon adoption, ICOM organs and bodies are expected to work towards the implementation of the Resolutions within the following three-year period.

    Why are Resolutions important?

    • They represent the collective voice of ICOM Members,
    • They provide actionable steps aligned with ICOM’s mission and objectives,
    • They play a key role in implementing ICOM’s Strategic Plan,
    • They advocate for the interests and values of the global museum community,
    • They leave a lasting legacy of each ICOM General Conference.

    Key Resolutions

    Since its establishment in 1946, ICOM has adopted numerous Resolutions addressing critical issues and shaping its priorities. These Resolutions have consistently focused on key themes, including capacity building, knowledge exchange, cross-border activities, combating the illicit trafficking of cultural and natural heritage, education, and advocacy on a global stage… etc giving museums and professionals a strong voice worldwide.

    They have led to the establishment of standards for museum professionals

    Adoption of Ethical Standards:

    Capacity Building as a Core Mission:

    • Since its creation, ICOM has consistently prioritised training and professional development for museum professionals, ensuring they are equipped to address evolving challenges.
    • Resolutions have recurrently emphasised the importance of capacity building, reinforcing ICOM’s commitment to strengthening the global museum community.

    These Resolutions have laid the groundwork for enduring programmes and initiatives

    • International Museum Day : Established to promote the role of museums globally (4th ICOM General Assembly, Milan, Italy, 1953, 12th ICOM General Assembly, Moscow, USSR, 28 May 1977).
    • Strengthening International Cooperation: Supporting the creation of organisations like , advocating for the voices of museums professionals at the international level (UNESCO, WIPO), or strengthening the cooperation with partners institutions (IFLA, ICA, ICOMOS).

    Positioning ICOM as a Key Partner in the Protection of Cultural Heritage During and After Armed Conflict

    • ICOM has raised awareness on the importance of inventories through initiatives like Object ID, a standard to document and identify cultural objects effectively.
    • Advocacy efforts to encourage national adoption of pivotal international conventions, including:
      • The 1954 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,
      • The 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property,
      • The 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects.

    What is the difference between ICOM Resolutions and Recommendations?

    Resolutions

    Adopted by the General Assembly of ICOM, Resolutions address broad and significant issues relevant to museums and cultural heritage. They reflect the collective will and official stance of ICOM and its members on topics such as ethics, heritage preservation, and responses to global crises, while aligning with the organisation’s Strategic Plan, mission and objectives.

    Resolutions provide a general framework for action on issues of importance to the global museum community. Upon adoption, ICOM organs and bodies likely to be affected by the Resolutions are expected to work towards their implementation within three (3) years.

    Recommendations

    Recommendations follow a statutory process as outlined in Article 12, Section 2, of the ICOM Statutes. Proposed by National and International Committees, they are voted on by members of the Advisory Council.

    The scope of Recommendations covers, but is not limited to, the internal functioning of the Organisation, the implementation of the Strategic Plan or the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly.

    While non-binding, Recommendations are submitted to the Executive Board for consideration. They serve as voluntary guidance, leaving implementation up to the discretion of the Executive Board.

    Both Resolutions and Recommendations contribute to ICOM’s mission by shaping the global museum landscape, but Resolutions tend to have a more significant symbolic and strategic weight, while Recommendations are more focused on day-to-day implementation.

    Key Resources